Have you been charged with a DUI? Are you wondering what to look for in a DUI defense lawyer?
The right attorney for you can break down local DUI laws into everyday terms you can understand. They can recommend the best course of action and represent you in court if necessary. Most citizens have little experience with the law and would benefit greatly from having a professional on their side.
That being said, not all options for lawyers are the same. You’ll want to search carefully for the right attorney.
Here’s what you need to be looking for.
1. Experience
The right attorney for you will have experience working on DUI cases. Before interviewing an attorney further, check out their website and see what types of law they specialize in.
Many attorneys also give free initial consultations that will give you an opportunity to find out about their experience with DUI law. Ask them how many cases similar to yours they’ve handled. What was their strategy, and what were the outcomes?
The right attorney to handle your case will have a proven track record of DUI clients who were satisfied working with them.
2. Recommendations
You won’t just want to choose anyone from the Internet when you’re looking for the right attorney. While it’s important to choose someone local who knows about the regulations in your area, you’ll also want to choose an attorney who comes recommended.
Reach out to friends or family members who may have faced a DUI. Who was their attorney, and were they happy with the outcome?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions when you find someone who’s recommending a lawyer.
Did they have ample knowledge of the law? Were they always professional and respectful? Were they happy with the settlement or the trial outcome?
Personal recommendations can give you a good idea of what working with a particular attorney will really be like. If you don’t know anyone first-hand, ask prospective lawyers for at least three references you can speak to. These can give you confidence that you’re making the right decision.
3. Reviews
You should also be able to look up online reviews of attorneys in your area. These should be available on their own websites or online review sites.
Anyone can get a poor review sometimes, but you’ll want to be looking out for patterns that can alert you to potential issues. Are a lot of former clients saying that it was difficult to get an appointment with the attorney? Do many say the case was mismanaged?
You might also find a lot of good reviews that can reassure you that your lawyer is capable. Many former clients, for example, could mention how competent and professional the attorney was. These can help you move forward with a good idea of what your experience will be like.
4. Affordability
A good DUI defense attorney can cost you anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000.
A number of factors will weigh in on your final cost. These include your attorney’s reputation, your geographical location, and the complexity of your case.
Before deciding on a DUI attorney, make sure you get estimates from at least three attorneys in your area. The least expensive professional may not be the best lawyer for you, as making a good investment will also depend upon the outcome. However, you’ll want to know that the price you’re paying isn’t unreasonably high for your case and area.
Your DUI lawyer could charge for their services in a few different ways. They may charge an hourly fee, flat rates, percentages, or retainer fees.
You’ll want to make sure that the way you’ll be paying is acceptable. Make sure you discuss both fees and charging schedules before you hire your lawyer.
5. Who You’ll Be Working With
Before you begin your case, you’ll want to know exactly who you’ll be working with on its details. In some cases, for example, your paperwork will be handled by paralegals or associates.
If you’re going to be working with other members of the team, make sure you meet them before you hire your lawyer.
6. How They Communicate
You’ll be working with your lawyer on a number of details throughout your case. This may involve regular communication, and you’ll want to be sure you’re comfortable with how you’ll be doing this.
Some lawyers, for example, may not be able to answer your emails or texts all of the time. If that’s the case, will someone else respond? How quickly can you expect an answer to any potential questions?
Before you hire an attorney, make sure you’re comfortable with their communication style. Click here for more info.
7. Comfort and Confidence
While experience, reviews, and affordability are all important when considering a lawyer, you may find yourself more comfortable with some professionals than you are with others. This could be a personality issue, or it could be your instinct telling you the right thing to do.
You’ll want to appear relaxed and confident when you’re in court. While other factors need to be considered, it’s also important that you have a good rapport with your lawyer. You’ll want to have a good feeling before making your final decision.
The Right DUI Defense Lawyer
Getting charged with a DUI can be an emotional time. However, the right DUI defense lawyer can give you the confidence that you’ll get the best outcome possible. If you do your homework, you can find a great attorney that will help you put this chapter in your life behind you.